Science
Welcome To
Science
Vision for Science
At St John’s Stonefold CE Primary School, we are rooted in God’s love and inspired to nurture, grow and fly. We believe that science helps children understand and appreciate the incredible world God created. Through a high-quality, engaging and ambitious science curriculum, we develop children’s natural curiosity, enabling them to ask questions, investigate ideas and make sense of the world around them. Our vision is for every child to become a confident, inquisitive and resilient learner who is equipped with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to thrive in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
Intent
Our science curriculum is designed to:
- Develop children’s curiosity and sense of wonder about the natural and physical world.
- Build secure scientific knowledge through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Encourage children to ask questions, predict outcomes and investigate ideas through practical enquiry.
- Develop children’s ability to work scientifically and think critically.
- Promote the accurate use of scientific vocabulary.
- Help children understand the importance and relevance of science in everyday life.
- Celebrate the achievements and contributions of scientists from diverse backgrounds.
- Foster respect and care for living things and the environment.
Implementation
Science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum which ensures progression in both substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge across all year groups. Learning is organised around the National Curriculum strands and revisited over time so that children can build upon prior learning and develop deeper understanding.
Lessons are practical, engaging and enquiry-based. Children are encouraged to observe, question, test, investigate and evaluate. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to develop confidence when communicating ideas and explaining concepts.
Where possible, learning is enriched through outdoor investigations, the local environment, cross-curricular links and opportunities to explore the work of significant scientists. Children are given regular opportunities to collect, record and analyse data using a range of scientific equipment and methods.
Progression Through School
EYFS
Science forms part of Understanding the World. Children explore the natural world through play, observation and first-hand experiences. They investigate seasonal changes, living things, animals, plants, materials and the environment around them, developing curiosity and a love of discovery from the very beginning of their learning journey.
Key Stage 1
Children begin to develop their scientific knowledge through studying plants, animals, materials, living things and seasonal changes. They learn to observe closely, ask simple questions, carry out investigations and communicate their findings using scientific language. Practical exploration helps children develop confidence as young scientists.
Lower Key Stage 2
Children deepen their understanding through topics such as plants, rocks, forces and magnets, light, sound and animals including humans. They begin to carry out more structured enquiries, make predictions, record results in different ways and draw conclusions using evidence.
Upper Key Stage 2
Children develop increasingly sophisticated scientific knowledge and enquiry skills through topics including Earth and Space, Electricity, Properties and Changes of Materials, Living Things and Their Habitats and Evolution and Inheritance. They learn to think critically, justify conclusions using evidence and understand how science shapes the modern world.
Working Scientifically
Working scientifically is at the heart of our science curriculum. As children move through school, they progressively develop the skills needed to think and work like scientists.
Children learn to:
- Observe closely.
- Ask scientific questions.
- Plan and carry out investigations.
- Make predictions.
- Measure accurately.
- Gather and record data.
- Identify patterns.
- Draw conclusions from evidence.
- Evaluate methods and results.
- Communicate findings using appropriate scientific vocabulary.
These skills are continually revisited and developed through practical investigations across all areas of science.
Impact
Through our science curriculum, children leave St John’s Stonefold with a secure body of scientific knowledge and a genuine curiosity about the world around them. They are able to think critically, communicate using scientific vocabulary and approach problems with confidence and resilience.
Our children develop an appreciation of how science influences their lives and society as a whole. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for the next stage of their education and are inspired to continue exploring the wonders of God’s creation.
What Makes Science Special at St John's Stonefold?
At St John’s Stonefold, science is brought to life through meaningful, memorable and hands-on experiences. Our pupils learn through investigation, exploration and discovery, developing a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them.
What makes science special includes:
- A curriculum rooted in curiosity and enquiry.
- Strong links to our Christian vision and values.
- Regular practical investigations and experiments.
- Learning opportunities within our local environment.
- Celebrating the achievements of diverse scientists.
- A carefully planned progression of scientific knowledge and vocabulary.
- Opportunities to make links between science and everyday life.
- Encouraging children to become independent and reflective learners.
Science in Action
Science at St John’s Stonefold is practical, engaging and exciting. Throughout the year, children take part in investigations, outdoor learning activities, scientific observations and problem-solving challenges that bring their learning to life.
From planting and growing in EYFS and Key Stage 1, to exploring forces, electricity, space and the human body in Key Stage 2, our children develop their knowledge through first-hand experiences and enquiry. By working scientifically and asking thoughtful questions, pupils learn that science is not simply a subject to study but a way of understanding and exploring the world around them.
